Peanut Butter Popsicle Keeps Dogs Busy

Whether it is a chewed-up shoe or leg of an antique dresser, chewing and other types of destructive behavior can be quite aggravating. The good news is that destructive behavior can be modified with several different methods of training. Many people may think that lack of exercise is the sole reason for unwanted behavior when left alone, but sheer boredom may be the culprit for your canine’s destructive behavior. Fortunately there are many behavior modification techniques that can mediate the situation.

I have fostered puppies, adults and elderly dogs and not all of them have had the “perfect” behavior that we all hope a dog will have when we leave them alone. I can tolerate quite an array of behaviors, but why tolerate behaviors that can easily be modified with a little training and tools? Is your dog getting into the trash and dancing in it when you are not at home? Or is your pooch designing your carpet in his own “art”? Whether it is the kitchen trash that entices your pooch or his “interior designing” skills that are his forte, there are several modification tools to help you in your time of need.

I’m a firm believer in providing a dog with exercise and mental stimulation such as teaching your canine companion simple commands such as “sit, stay and come,” but you can’t always be at home with your pooch. Right? Well, the time has come to stop worrying about your canine companion when you aren’t by his side. Thanks to specialized animal companion toy companies, an array of delectable dog toys are now available (it isn’t just about the bone anymore).

Peaches

Ruff and tuff toys such as the classic Kong can stimulate and relax dogs of any breed, shape and size. Simply stuff your dog’s new Kong with peanut butter and stick the Kong in the freezer overnight. Why in the freezer, you ask? Well, the best part and intention of the Kong is to hide delicious treats to occupy your pooch, while he figures out how to free the savory treat inside. By freezing peanut butter in the Kong, you have created a “doggie Popsicle” (so to speak). Provide your dog with the tempting frozen peanut butter Kong before leaving the house and he will have quite a bit of entertainment (please only use creamy peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter can create an upset stomach).

Another dog-compatible goodie used for mental stimulation are new toys literally in the layout of a puzzle. All you have to do before leaving for work in the morning is hide your dog’s breakfast into the puzzle like a toy and, BAM, you have yourself an occupied furry friend. There are vast assortments of canine toys on the market right now, so take your time and do some research about some canine creations. Providing any of the previously mentioned toys to your canine friend while he relaxes in his crate (or on your couch) can satisfy and calm both you and your dog.

If you have found another dynamic mental stimulating dog toy and would like to share it with us, please feel free to contact us at hs@humanesocietycentralaz.org.

Note: HSCAZ recommends using the toys mentioned in this article, but we cannot guarantee the toys listed here will cure all canine behavior issues. HSCAZ highly recommends contacting a certified dog trainer for your dog’s behavior needs. Working with a dog trainer can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pooch!

Adoption special

Don’t forget our adoption special. For the month of February, all adoptions are just $25. This includes cats, kittens, puppies and dogs. To see these or any of the wonderful pets currently available for adoption, stop by the shelter at 812 S. McLane Road, open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PEACHES

Peaches is a 4-year-old spayed female coon hound who was picked up as a stray. This howlin’ hound is quite playful and she loves toys! She will keep an active household entertained for hours.

Poppy

POPPY

Poppy is a 2-year-old spayed female pit bull mix. She was surrendered because her owner was having some personal issues and could no longer have pets. She is a great dog and very gentle.

Stella

STELLA

Stella is a 9-month-old spayed female lab mix who was found as a stray. She loves other dogs, and playtime is her forte!

Cruz

CRUZ

Cruz is an 8-month-old neutered male hound mix. He was found as a stray.

Buddy

BUDDY

Buddy is an 8-year-old neutered male shepherd who was picked up as a stray. He is wiggly, fun and loving.

Tigger

TIGGER

Tigger is a 5-month-old neutered male Shar Pei/Catahoula mix. He was as shy as can be when he came in to the shelter, but now he is a total party animal. Class clown alert!